Attacker's Description Released For Tioronda Ave. Assault Investigation; Police Chief Addresses Timing Of Description Release

3rd UPDATE ARTICLE 1/15/2026: This article you are currently reading.

2nd UPDATE ARTICLE 1/15/2026: An update to this article has been published here.

1st ARTICLE 1/14/2026: This article. Each article will have these links in the series.

The City of Beacon Police Department has released a third statement on 1/15/2026 asking the public for help identifying the suspect who attacked the woman on Tioronda Avenue Wednesday morning. The Police are seeking camera footage from everyone, city-wide, for camera footage. Could have been dark for when the suspect headed toward the scene, and light when the suspect left the scene.

Everyone from every neighborhood, including all neighborhoods close to the mountain or by the river or Main Street or back roads, are encouraged to check their footage from early morning into later in the day.

The description of the male suspect is as follows:

"As of this time we are requesting that individuals check any available cameras, in Beacon, for footage from 1/14/2026, of a:

• white male

• wearing a black jacket or coat (not a puff coat)

• a black knit hat and blue pants or jeans

• possibly being in his 30s-40s

• approximately 5'11" with a medium build

• having a brown, very close beard

“If anyone has any footage depicting an individual that could fit that description or most of that description, please immediately contact the City of Beacon Police Department at 845-831-4111.”

Beacon Police Chief Figlia’s Response To The Public

Beacon Chief of Police Tom Figlia went on to address the public, acknowledging their concerns, saying: "We do not take the public's concerns lightly at all. Had it been appropriate to release this information earlier, we would have."

Members of the public who specialize in sexual assault and domestic violence, and are survivors themselves, have been lending their voices to ease people's reactions by reminding them to center the victim in this traumatic situation. That victims are going through a range of emotions, including extreme fear, and need time to process.

Chief Figlia continued: "Had it been appropriate to release this information earlier, we would have. Please understand that this is a sensitive investigation and that in certain, traumatic cases, it is not even appropriate to fully take a statement from a victim until time has passed."

In Chief Figlia's 2nd press release statement, he alluded to the patience they were taking with the victim as she began her physical recovery.

"It would therefore be irresponsible for us to prematurely release information which we, objectively, could not rely on," he stated.

"We, again, must also balance the public's need to know with the needs of the victim's privacy and the potential to compromise an investigation and/or prosecution. The department is continuing to devote its full resources to this investigation and is receiving assistance from other agencies as well."

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Beacon Police Department at 845-831-4111.

Violent Assault Jolts Beacon Community; Privacy Of Victim Respected; Community Left Unsettled

Tioronda Avenue, in the direction of where the woman was found in the woods after being attacked and “seriously assaulted” Wednesday morning while walking, according to Beacon Police. This is on the other side of Wolcott Avenue, near Sargent Elementary School.

3rd UPDATE ARTICLE 1/15/2026: A description of the attacker has been released by the Beacon Police Department.

2nd UPDATE ARTICLE 1/15/2026: This article you are currently reading.

1st ARTICLE 1/14/2026: The first announcement of this attack.

The Beacon community was jolted on Wednesday when news of a violent assault of a woman, allegedly walking her dog along Tioronda Avenue early in the morning, circulated on social media and in personal texts. While few details of the attack have yet to be officially confirmed, the Beacon Police Department wrote in a press release that "the victim is in stable physical condition." 

Chief of Police Thomas Figlia noted in the press release that "though we understand the public's safety concerns and desire to know more, the department must balance that with our obligation to the victim's privacy and wellbeing.” He confirmed that at this time, a suspect has not been identified.

When the Beacon Police Department issued their first press release, their wording was vague, leaving community members frustrated, as Chief Figlia referred to the event as: “a possible, past occurred assault on Tioronda Ave. in the area of Wolcott Ave." But people had seen police activity in the area just that morning, and the text already circulated.

The term “past occurred” indicated no time - 5 days ago or 5 hours ago, and “possible” indicates that the assault did not happen at all, or that doubt was placed on the person who said they experienced the assault. Phone calls and FOIL requests to the Police Department, and social media posts about the department were made by the public to attempt to push the department to release more information for public safety and tip gathering.

A second statement was issued later in the afternoon with more detail, such as confirmation of the assault and time of arrival of the police. That release also stated that she “may have been the victim of a crime,” but did not state what the crime was, before confirming that she was “seriously assaulted” in the next sentence. In the text circulating on social media, she had been allegedly been walking her dog, who allegedly connected with humans, alerting them to the woman’s whereabouts. However, detail of the dog was not in the Police Department press release.

By the time the first press release was posted to the Police Department’s Facebook, many people in the public knew alleged details, which included an elementary school lockout. But none of that was mentioned in the first statement, which angered the public, as the Police Department held tight to protecting the privacy of the victim and the integrity of the investigation.

The public was not demanding to know the identity or description of the victim - who is now a survivor who has a journey of physical and emotional healing before her - but was demanding to know location and timing so as to keep themselves and loved ones safe from a future attack. Hearing that the attacker was not found in the surrounding area was not received as a comfort, but as a concern, as the person is still at large, with so far, no description.

To say Tioronda and Wolcott by itself indicates multiple locations of violent actions occurring - usually on the side between Main Street, like this one; and the murder of Rene Vivo “Scout” that resulted from a stabbing on Main Street that remains unsolved. It was because of the circulating text that the community learned it was on the other side of Wolcott, the side of Sargent Elementary school which is very isolated and wooded with hills and rocks, with houses and the new residential apartment buildings known as the Arno at 248 Tioronda.

Also not confirmed in the press release was the woman’s dog, and the dog’s alleged involvement in alerting humans to be able to find her in the woods. Many people with and without dogs walk, jog and bike down that strip of Tioronda. First instinct of most community members was to think about which area to avoid on their outing that day, and if any stranger was lurking. Parents thought about their children walking home from school, especially if on that path, and if they wanted to pick up their children instead.

Paramount to protecting the victim, the Beacon Police felt it necessary to not include any details. The second press release urged people to have caution as they would any day when outside. But the public felt they needed more information in order to maintain that caution, as the attacker remains at large.

This, in the context of a federal blessing of immunity on violence unleashed on women and people of color, which is playing out in Minnesota and other cities in the country. One ALBB reader said of the first press release: “This is not enough information to keep people safe. They’re not saying what happened.”

The First Wave Of Information

The Dutchess County Scanner Feed group in Facebook, run by moderator Patrick O'Dell, published a notice that there was increased police presence in Beacon at 10:30am. That action alone triggered people to text their people with an alert. Hours after that, Patrick closed comments on his post, saying that people had broken his page’s rules by speculating on the situation.

By then, the text of alleged details had been sent to ALBB and published in at least one private Facebook group. ALBB emailed Chief Figlia saying we would wait to publish anything until the Police Department issued a press release. A source told ALBB that police activity was seen that morning at the Arno residential building parking lot at 248 Tioronda, where a tent had been set up in the parking lot near a construction trailer where police vehicles were parked. The tent was allegedly broken down shortly after that and police vehicles left, the source said.

Meanwhile at Dutchess County Scanner Feed, Patrick did a hard close of comments saying: “Apparently, if I forget to turn off commenting on a post a bunch of people decide to disregard/disrespect all rules of the page, others, PD & me. EVERYONE has been banned or suspended who did so. Wasted time but I decided to still do it. Thanks to all the others."

When the Beacon Police Department published their first press release, Patrick reposted it to his Dutchess County Scanner Feed, saying in part: “I do not want non factual information, or details put out to the public that could possibly interfere with their investigation. I CANNOT STOP ANYONE FROM VISITING THOSE BEACON PAGES AND READING WHAT IS ON THEM. I can only control what is posted here for the integrity of the page.”

When the Beacon PD’s first press release published, barely any detail was confirmed. Not the gender of the person, age, location or time. It was assumed that the perpetrator was still at large. Not knowing if this was an intimate partner domestic violence situation, or a random attack, or a combination of both.

Police activity parked at the Arno residential building the Wednesday morning of the assault, where a tent was set up and then broken down.

In response, community members took to other groups to get the information out. The text was shared in a group in an effort to encourage women to walk in pairs and to be alert and careful. A group participant stated that Sargent Elementary had conducted a lockout, which is located in the vicinity of the attack.

The first press release mentioned Beacon City Schools, but only that they had been alerted that a search was being conducted. ALBB sought out and received confirmation that Sargent’s principal emailed school families an email which they received at 11:02am that Sargent had conducted a lockout, which locked the doors of the school while kids continued learning inside. Other schools did not go on lockout. It is noteworthy for this and future emergency situations that caregivers were alerted during the school day close to when the incident happened, and not at the end of the day.

The second press release confirmed the lockout, stating: “Upon arrival it had been determined that there was reason to believe that the female victim had been seriously assaulted. At that time, given the proximity to the Sargent School, the Beacon City School District was notified and advised to place the school on lockout until the area could be searched.” No one was found in the search, the statement confirmed.

To provide context of when district families are robo-called about an incident at school: when a school goes on lockdown or lockout, district families are robo-called about that; if it is a practice drill or unexpected occurrence. This week, in fact, a bat was found in the Beacon High School. District families were robo-called immediately about the bat, which was contained by pest control within the day.

In this situation, Sargent families were emailed by their principal about the lockout related to the assault. Families at other schools were not alerted. ALBB sought out and received content of the email, but not yet received confirmation of the time of which the parents were emailed as of this publishing. Part of the email read: “Out of an abundance of caution, Sargent was placed in a ‘lockout’ for approximately 90 minutes while there was a police investigation on Tironda Avenue.”

Details Confirmed In The Beacon Police Department’s Second Press Release

Chief Figlia stated in the second release of the department:

"On 1/14/2026 at approximately 9:20am the Beacon Police Department received a call from Dutchess County 911 to assist Fire and EMS who had responded to a call regarding a female who was unconscious in the area of Tioronda Ave. and Wolcott Ave. and may have been the victim of a crime.

"Upon arrival it had been determined that there was reason to believe that the female victim had been seriously assaulted. At that time, given the proximity to Sargent School, the Beacon City School District was notified and advised to place the school on a lockout until the area could be searched. The area around the school was searched and no one was located. Therefore, BCSD was advised of the same. As of that time the department was confident that the suspect was not in the that immediate area.

"The victim is in stable, physical, condition. Given the nature of the incident, however, the department is, even now, still working with her in order to determine key details of the crime. Because of this, we are not releasing any information that is not yet fully confirmed. Additionally, though we understand the public's safety concerns and desire to know more, the department must balance that with our obligation to the victim's privacy and wellbeing as well as our obligation not to put out information that could compromise this investigation. We are urging others to also please respect this victim's privacy as much as possible.

"At this time a suspect has not been identified, nor is anyone is custody. As with any other time, people should use caution, be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police. If anyone has any information specific to this case, we again urge you to call 845-831-4111."

People who have experienced Sexual Assault or know someone who has are encouraged to contact RAINN for help, healing and resources.

Possible Assault On Tioronda Ave. Near Wolcott Ave.; Investigation Remains Open

3rd UPDATE ARTICLE 1/15/2026: A description of the attacker has been released by the Beacon Police Department.

2nd UPDATE ARTICLE 1/15/2026: An update to this article has been published here.

1st ARTICLE 1/14/2026: This article. Each article will have these links in the series.

Several tips came in to A Little Beacon Blog this morning about a possible assault to a person along Tioronda Avenue.

At 10:30am, the Dutchess County Scanner Feed made an awareness post that there was a "heavy police presence in Beacon."

Readers wrote into ALBB with more information, at which point, ALBB emailed the Chief of Police Tom Figlia requesting a Press Release to report from, knowing that the work of the Police Department requires precision and time and that they usually do not release information to reporters during an open investigation or when actively pursuing someone at large.

At around 1:30pm, the Beacon Police Department issued a Press Release, stating that the Department is investigating a "possible, past occurred assault on Tioronda Ave. in the area of Wolcott Ave."

ALBB emailed Chief Figlia for further information on what "past occurred" means - if it means that the "possible" assault happened hours ago or days ago. A response has not been received as of this publishing.

The Press Release stated that the Beacon City School District was notified as a precaution during the investigation and check of the area. "The area was checked and there does not appear to be a specific danger to the public in that area at this time," the Police Department said in the statement.

The investigation remains ongoing. People who may have information or were witness are asked to contact the City of Beacon Police Department at 845-831-4111.

Targeted Water Boil Alert Issued For At Least 4 Days After Water Main Is Repaired By City Of Beacon

A targeted Boil Water Advisory has been issued for at least 4 days by the City of Beacon for businesses and residents “along Fishkill Avenue from Conklin Street to the Town of Fishkill border, including all side streets,” according to the City’s Facebook announcement. After issuing updates via social media during the day, the City announced that they have completed the emergency repairs, and that water service is fully restored. “We also are grateful to our Water Dept which went above and beyond today to address this emergency,” they said.

While they have been advising people who experience brown water coming out of their faucets to run cold taps until water runs clear, they have issued a Boil Water Advisory for specific streets.

According to the Boil Water Advisory, the water main break happened at 9:30am on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. “The water system lost pressure due to significant water main break on 10 inch water,” the document said. Beacon’s City Administrator told the Highland Current that the pipes were not those of the new infrastructure work conducted in the major upgrade at Fishkill/Teller Avenue over the past year in that area, but was due to an old pipe breaking. Also at that time, he said that the water was “safe to use.

Beacon City Schools will resume classes tomorrow Thursday. Dr. Landahl robo called/texted/emailed district families to let them know that students can return, and thanked the Transportation Department for making scheduling changes during the day, the Administration Department offices for fielding phone calls, and the Facilities Department for checking on the buildings this evening.

Boil Water Notice Issued

At 7pm, the City of Beacon posted their Water Boil Notice, which advises people on those streets mentioned to boil their water for at least 4 days and 12 hours. It is posted below, and typed out in full for people to read.

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

Bring tap water to a rolling boil, boil for one minute, and cool before using. Or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice.

This Boil Water Notice applies to Fihkill Avenue from Conklin Street to the City border at Prospect Street including Meade Avenue, Desoto and State Street.

What Happened?

At about 9:30am on January 2026, the water system lost pressure due to significant water main break on 10 inch water. When water mains lose pressure it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter your water.

Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms and may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. But these symptoms are not just caused by microbes in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you should seek medical advice.

What Is Being Done?

City of Beacon personnel installed a new section of water main and a contractor installed additional valving to assist with the isolation. City of Beacon Operators will be conducing bacterial sampling of the water for safety.

It is likely that you will need to boil water for the next 4 days 12 hours until the problem is fixed. You will be informed when tests show that you no longer need to boil your water.

For more information, please contact Edward Balicki of the city of Beacon at 845-831-3136 or the Dutchess County Department of Health at 845-486-3404.

Please share this information with other people who drink this water especially anyone who may not get this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

State Water System ID: NY 1302760
Date Distributed: January 7. 2026

Water Main Break Off Rte 52 Causes Low Pressure As Beacon Water Department Repairs; School Issues Emergency Early Dismissal; Businesses Impacted

Updates from the City of Beacon are available in this next article here.

The City of Beacon is currently experiencing low water pressure city-wide due to a water main break off Fishkill Avenue down the embankment from the car wash that the Beacon Water Department is currently managing and working to repair. The break was underground, so water was not spilling into public areas. They shut all valves available to contain, and are awaiting a part to be delivered. City officials say that drinking water is being maintained and is safe to drink for those who do have water.

At 11:07am, Beacon City School District Superintendent Dr. Landahl issued a robo call/text/email advising district families of an emergency early dismissal, and released the stacked release schedule with buses accommodating students who normally ride the bus.

After dismissal, Beacon High School Principal Dr. Dwyer updated district families with how field trips in progress would continue working, with pickups and other modes of previously scheduled transportation. He said: “Just a quick note of thanks to our students for their patience and cooperation during the time that we were without water and during our early dismissal. Parents and guardians, thank you for your understanding and support.”

At 11:19am, the City of Beacon issued a robo call/text/email announcing the water main break, and advising residents about the water. The alert said: "This is the City of Beacon, reaching out to inform you of a major water main break along Fishkill Avenue. Portions of the City will experience service disruption, and other areas may experience low pressure. Check the City Facebook page for updates as to timing for restored service. Once water is available again, or if you experience any discoloration, run cold water taps until water runs clear. Thank you for your patience while this emergency infrastructure work is completed."

At 1:30pm, the City of Beacon issued an update in their original post: "City-wide may experience low-pressure as repairs are done. Thank you for patience as these emergency repairs are being completed. More updates will be posted here and the City website, as available. We currently do not have an estimated time for the restoration of water service."

By 2pm, the water pressure remained low but consistent. Stinson's Hub on Rte. 52 confirmed that they needed to close due to no water. However Roma Nova, down the road, remains open. The Fresenius Kidney Care Beacon Dialysis across from the stadium was unable to run treatments for a period of time due to the water main break and directed patients to other locations or rescheduled treatments.

By 2:30pm, some residences experienced increased water pressure.

The City of Beacon Fire Department reported that the fire hydrants are included in the possible water loss and low water pressure, and issued a calling back of any available off duty personal, saying on their Facebook page:

"Due to a large water main break on Fishkill Ave, leaving possibly half the City without water (including fire hydrants), a 10-35 has been transmitted calling back any available off duty personnel.

Engine 33-15 is currently staffed with 3 Career Firefighters.
Engine 33-16 is staffed with 1 Lieutenant and 2 Career Firefighters.
Ladder 33-48 is staffed with 1 Lieutenant and 2 Career Firefighters.”

During the City of Beacon's budget process in October 2025, Fire Chief Tom Lucchesi requested that the City Council consider adding more professional fire fighters to the staff for Beacon.

The City of Beacon's Water Department is a finely tuned department and is known for fixing issues as quickly as they can.

This is a developing story as updates are made by the City of Beacon. Citizens are encouraged to refresh the City of Beacon's Facebook page and main website. People may also leave tips here at A Little Beacon Blog in the Comments below or by emailing in describing how they are/were impacted by the water main break.

Why Stewart Airport? A Deep Dive Into Kidnapped Venezuelan President Maduro and Wife Cilia Flown To Stewart While Trump and Netanyahu Remain At Large

New York Times article reporting that at least 40 civilians and some military officials were killed in Venezuela by the U.S. air strike conducted to kidnap President Maduro and first lady Cilia. Pictured is Wilman Gonzalez, who carries furniture from his home. His aunt, Rosa Gonzalez, 80, lived with him, was killed in the attack,
Photo Credit: New York TImes;

Early Saturday morning, as residents and visitors of Beacon checked their socials for news and uplifting content after coasting through Friday’s extension of the entrance to the New Year, they learned that the 47th president of the United States ordered the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro, who is a Venezuelan lawyer and politician.

The U.S. air strike to seize the couple resulted in the killing of 40 people in Venezuela, including military officials and civilians, the New York Times reported who sourced Venezuelan officials, Here’s Why With Kevin reported. Also highlighted was that an 80 year old woman named Rosa Gonzalez was killed by the air strike, one which “ripped through her apartment.” It was reported that she lived in a 3-story apartment building in Catia La Mar near the Caracas airport among other elderly residential neighbors, who were also badly injured.

The Venezuelan President and First Lady were flown to Stewart Air National Guard Base on Saturday evening, which has an office for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) component, according to DHS’ website.

Why Stewart?

The unexpected association of Stewart Airport and Newburgh with the Venezuelan kidnapping has prompted many Hudson Valley locals to ask: “Why Stewart?”

The airport started as Stewart Airfield, located in the Town of Newburgh, NY, and opened in 1934 under the direction of Douglas MacArthur, General and former Chief of Staff of the United States Army, on land donated by “a 19th-century Scottish-born sea captain, Lachlan Stewart, and his son.” It was built out for the then original Department of War during WWII.

In 1948, the Stewart air force base became a base for the then newly formed United States Air Force and was called the Stewart Air Force Base. The year of 1948 is also the year of the Nakba in Palestine (aka النَّكْبَة, “the catastrophe”) which was the beginning of the forced displacement and ethnic cleansing of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to set up the occupation for what is now labeled as Israel. Stewart Air Force Base continued training missions with West Point.

The base was deactivated in 1970 and was taken over by New York State to become a civilian airport, known more widely as Stewart International Airport (which only had one international airline, which just left) and locally for cheap flights for Florida and Iceland (but not anymore), as well as inconsistent arrangements with commercial air carriers who pull out of servicing the airport amid multi-million dollar improvement grants for Stewart International Airport.

In 1980, the base was opened in an agreement with New York State and the New York Air National Guard (ANG), and is now also known as Stewart Air National Guard Base, according to Wikipedia. The following year, American hostages freed from Iran were flown to the base.

Questions About The International-ness of Stewart International Airport

But wait - is Stewart International Airport even commercially International anymore? Aside from flying in kidnapped dictators or presidents from outside the country?

The Chronogram asked in July 2025 when news broke that international airline Play pulled out: “For Hudson Valley-area residents with a taste for travel, Play’s parting is most unwelcome news, and questions abound as to why airlines keep failing there, and about what comes next for the beleaguered airport.”

The Chronogram also pointed out in their article: “The airline’s departure is expected to cut into already lagging airport traffic. Following a peak of over 900,000 passengers in 2007 and $220 million in investments since then, the airport received just 277,000 passengers last year, according to data from the airport’s operator, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.”

Who is getting all of the infrastructure investments?

The Charges To Try To Justify Kidnapping Circle Back To Tren de Aragua

In addition to Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the indictment also charges Maduro’s son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduoro Guerra, Diosado Cabello Rondon, Ramon Rodriguez Chachin, and Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores (aka Niño Guerrero, the supposed leader of Tren de Aragua, the group alluded to often when ICE is kidnapping someone in the United States for deportation).

The charges, as reported by CNBC, include a narco-terrorism conspiracy charge; cocaine importation conspiracy; possession of machine guns and destructive devices; and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. The charges can be read here.

Protests At Stewart Air National Guard Base

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Before being flown to New York City for detainment of Maduro and Cilia, the plane was met by protesters organized in part by Mid Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists. “We got word earlier in the afternoon that they were flying Maduro in,” a source told A Little Beacon Blog. “So we went and protested the whole day.”

Protest posters read: “No War For Venezuelan Oil” and “Kidnapped President Inside” and “Hands Off Venezuela” and “No Illegal War,” among others.

“No War On Venezuela,” Mid Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists declared on their Instagram. “We won’t stand for the Trump administration’s unilateral attack on Venezuela. A U.S. Military plane brought President Maduro to Stewart Airport today, while our members held the line outside to make it clear: this war will hurt working people across the globe. We stand in solidarity with the sovereign people of Venezuela and call on Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution to block Trump’s military aggression.”

Photojournalist Alexa B. Wilkinson was on the scene and filmed this video, giving ALBB permission to publish.

Alexa reported what they witnessed at the scene: “On Jan 3 at 21:30 UTC, Nicolas Maduro’s transport flight landed at Stewart Air [National Guard] Base in Newburgh, NY. OTG (On The Ground) press wasn’t able to get anywhere close to the part of the base where he was disembarking, however press choppers were circling above providing footage now widely seen of DEA & FBI agents boarding the plane and preparing him for his NYPD chopper ride down to NYC. Locals came out to film and watch the base from afar, causing traffic jams on NY-17K and a spectacle at the restaurant across the street. From a distance, you could see transport vehicles circling a plane moving into different positions, but it’s unknown which agency they belonged to.”

Photos by Alexa B. Wilkinson at Stewart Airport:

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Photo Credit: Complex

Complex reported on New York’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s statement expressing concern about the taking of the Venezuelan President: “The blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad. It directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance.”

Some people in the Comments who said they were from Venezuela told the new mayor to “sit this one out,” and supported Maduro being taken out of power. Meanwhile, the United States President is suspected of pedophilia and convicted of 34 felony accounts of falsified business records for hush money for a sex scandal. He was successfully sued for sexual assault for $88.3 million in awarded damages, while other lawsuits may begin after release of the Epstein Files. Yet, no one has violently taken him out of power for these crimes.

Regarding the local landing, the Town of Newburgh’s Mayor Torrance Harvey stated on his Facebook page: “The United States President has Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in custody!!! They first arrived at the Newburgh Stewart Airbase!! They are in transit to a Brooklyn Detention Center!! This is developing right now!!”

On Friday, Neuhaus did express disappointment that ICE allegedly wants to convert a warehouse into a detention center. News12 reported that “the owner of a vacant warehouse formerly used by Pep Boys in the Chester Industrial Park told the county ICE officials have been inquiring about using the warehouse as a detention center for immigrants.”

News12 reported that Neuhaus said he is “disappointed since the county has been hoping the warehouse would become a film studio.” Further, “County Executive Steve Neuhaus said he does not want to deal with clashes between ICE agents and protesters and that he does not want the county to host a facility that might be holding good, innocent people.”

Meanwhile, more leaders with actual arrest warrants have gone uncaptured by United States law enforcement while recently spending New Year’s Eve partying with the U.S. President in Mar-a-Lago in Florida. “International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for two senior Israeli officials, Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, and Yoav Gallant, the former Minister of Defense of Israel, alleging responsibility for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts during the Gaza war,” reads Wikipedia. Netanyahu and his wife were left unbothered at Trump’s Florida residence.

Colombia’s President Petro issued a statement against the kidnapping, while the U.S. president told Colombia’s President to “watch his a**.” President Petro said: “A clan of pedofiles wants to destroy democracy in Colombia." He went onto to talk about the politics of Venezuelan leadership, then said: "Nor would I trick the people of Venezuela into a trap of an invasion that is only about their oil, driven by greed and violence, to turn this beautiful corner of South America into another Syria, another Iraq, another Libya full of slaves, slave trading and new forms of slavery.”

In Shopping News - The Gray Nike Track Suit

Meanwhile, Maduro’s grey Nike track suit he was wearing while captive in transport to New York City is trending. Marca reports that the Nike track suit sold out hours after the kidnapping, but may still be available in stores. Check A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide for where you can find and buy Nike gear and other name brands in one of the several vintage shops located here on Main Street.

Marca.com calls Stewart airport simply: “a military airport.” Perhaps they know best, and those of us in the Hudson Valley region will never get the true international airport we deserve.

Resurrected: New Community Fridge Is Open From Partnership Between Fareground And Howland Public Library

A third, but currently only, refrigerator as part of Fareground’s Community Fridge Program has opened inside of Beacon’s Howland Public Library. This, coming after a tumultuous removal of the first two community refrigerators in June and September 2025 as a result of some neighbor complaints at the relocation of the first fridge from Binnacle Books to a residence at 23 Cliff Street, and the City of Beacon’s eviction of the second community fridge at the City’s Parks and Recreation building at 23 West Center Street.

The free toiletries and hygiene collection available to anyone in need at Beacon’s Howland Public Library.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

According to Michelle Rivas, Adult Services & Community Engagement Librarian for the library, who spoke to A Little Beacon Blog about the program, the Howland Public Library had been in talks with Fareground for a possible partnership to offer a 3rd refrigerator to the community before the first two were removed. The library already has a Tiny Food Pantry inside, as well as an Essentials collection, which offers free toiletries, socks, underwear and other needs to any person in need.

“When the SNAP benefits were paused and the other fridges in Beacon were removed,” Michelle told ALBB, “we knew it was the time to get things moving.”

When some people in the Beacon community reacted with outrage over the removal of both community refrigerators, Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White had Heidi Harrison, the Assistant Recreation Director for the City of Beacon’s Parks and Recreation Department, deliver what could be viewed as a humiliating critique of the Parks and Recreation’s view of Fareground’s management of the refrigerator.

To justify his eviction of the community refrigerator during the October 15, 2025 City Council Meeting, City Administrator Chris had Heidi present pictures of the fridge at different points over its lifetime, as Chris sat behind her in the jury box of the City courtroom, insisting on code enforcement of the community refrigerator at levels that restaurants need to reach and maintain. Chris also made unfounded criticisms of the type of food offered from the fridge by anonymous donors, saying his own mother wouldn’t take food from it. He then played the religion card, saying food that respects ethnic and religious diets was not offered. Some community members called his guided presentation “unhinged,” and KK Devina, former member of the now disbanded Commission on Human Relations, called for his resignation. Meanwhile, many adults, kids and teenagers took snacks and other food from the refrigerator on a regular basis, and vocalized missing the resource.

“We are so grateful to Howland Public Library and the Friends of Howland Public Library for their commitment to food access in Beacon. Libraries are vital resources and community gathering spaces. Adding a community fridge makes our local library even more welcoming.”

— Jamie Levato, Executive Director of Fareground

City Administrator Chris’ ultimate recommendation was for the City of Beacon to hand out food cards to people to buy their own food. This partially happened during the SNAP food crisis, where Mayor Kyriacou proposed grocery gift cards to certified SNAP recipients only, and no one else. City Council approved $50,000 to be spent on the food access initiative at the November 3, 2025 City Council Meeting. The money was transferred from the “City Council - Planning Studies” budget earmark, to “Food Assistance - Community Outreach.”

New Refrigerator Partnership Between Howland Public Library and Fareground

Purchase of this new refrigerator was sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Michelle told ALBB. The Friends of the Library is a fundraising extension of the Howland Public Library that has its HQ next to the library - The Beacon Reads Bookstore - which sells used books, staffed by volunteers.

“We are so grateful to Howland Public Library and the Friends of Howland Public Library for their commitment to food access in Beacon. Libraries are vital resources and community gathering spaces. Adding a community fridge makes our local library even more welcoming,” said Jamie Levato, Executive Director of Fareground. “Our Fridge/Pantry Care team is still seeking host sites for additional Beacon Community Fridges. Please reach out if you would like to host a fridge or pantry or if you would like to join the care team.”

Opening day was Tuesday, December 23rd, before the library was closed Wednesday - Friday for the holiday. The library was open until 8pm that evening. Fareground mentioned that a ribbon cutting is being scheduled for January 2026, which is when donations from the general public will begin being accepted. Guidelines will be released of what can and cannot be accepted into the Community Fridge also at that time.

The new refrigerator has a glass door. “It was important to us to select a fridge with a glass door so it was easier for community members to easily see what was available,” Michelle told ALBB. “The glass door also makes it easier and for the library outreach team and Fareground volunteers to monitor the fridge and keep it clean and safe,” she concluded.

VIDEO: Free Money Remains Available At Beacon Farmer's Market For "Those In Need" From NY State: Here's What You Can Buy

Available to anyone “in need” until the end of December 2025: the $2 Fresh Connect money from New York State to spend at markets like Beacon Farmer’s Market. The Beacon Farmer’s Market is giving these cash coupons away to anyone in need plus their Greens4Greens monies from their fundraisers and donations. If you need to make lemonade from lemons and are in a tough spot, walk your little booty to the Market Manager’s table to request this assistance. Then spend in the market. Several vendor tables accept both currencies. Like:

🍚Rice from Great Joy @thegreatjoyfamilyfarm

🍏Granola from @upstategranola

🍖🥓 Holiday Hams, Bacon, Chicken, Eggs, etc from @eggbertsfreerangefarm

🐟🍤 Fish from @montaukcatchclub

And so much more. Coffee beans also!

But it expires end of December. So come now. New York State is being very generous. Get what you need and want. Tell your friends.

Beacon's Firefighters Purchased and Hung Holiday Lights On New Firehouse

Holiday lights strung on the new City of Beacon firehouse. Lights were hung by the Beacon firefighters and purchased with their union dues through the City of Beacon’s Professional Firefighters (IAFF L-3490).
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

On the night of December 1st, 2025, during a City Council Meeting, residents learned that the City of Beacon Firefighters had purchased and hung the holiday lights shining brightly from the new Beacon firehouse.

This blogger, Katie Hellmuth, had gone down to the City Council Meeting that evening to deliver a Public Comment in support of the change in zoning requirement for 248 Tioronda, which allowed the developer to pursue building residential units on its remaining plot of land. Years ago, the City of Beacon changed its zoning law to require the property owner to develop commercial space for retail or business use. After years of trying, the developer did not find interested occupants, and requested a change of use for the zoning to allow residential apartments to be built instead, with an increased percentage of Below Market Rate (BMR) units available, honoring the Beacon City Council’s request.

At the end of this reporter’s comment in support of the zoning change, Katie remarked: “Also, the holiday lights on the firehouse and on this building look very nice.” In response, during the latter part of the meeting, City Administrator Chris White remarked that the City of Beacon’s Professional Firefighters (IAFF L-3490) had purchased the lights themselves, and hung them.

The City of Beacon’s Fire Chief Thomas Lucchesi confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog that the firefighters purchased and installed the lights using funds from their union dues. Chief Lucchesi added: “The firefighters typically decorate each year, but this is the first time they’ve been able to decorate the new firehouse—we were still getting settled in last holiday season.

“Our department has a great relationship with both the City and our residents, and the holiday season gives us an opportunity to share that sense of community in a simple but meaningful way. The firefighters take a lot of pride in the firehouse and in bringing a little extra holiday cheer to the neighborhood.”

The Professional Firefighters (IAFF L-3490) have confirmed that the new address of their new firehouse is 1140 Wolcott Avenue. The old address was 13 South Avenue, which as of this publishing, was listed in Google. Google may take time to update.

As a holiday reminder, the City of Beacon Firefighters are available to provide and install new fire alarms in your residence free of charge, courtesy of the Red Cross and of Chief Lucchesi reviving that program. Read more about that here or simply call them to request installation for all the necessary rooms in your residence: 845-831-1334.

City of Beacon’s Latest Website Photo is Stunning Winterscape of East End of Main Street

The City of Beacon has been swapping out its home page photo for a number of years. Since at least the start of the Ukraine War, when they featured a photo of full sunflowers in bloom in Beacon.

For this winter season, the administration has featured a stunning photo of Beacon’s East End of Main Street. The Winterscape is a photo by local photographer Scott Snell, who is a DP, Camera Op, and Aerial Cinematographer. The scene feels like Beacon is a little gingerbread town, or box cover of an Advent calendar with chocolate surprises behind each window.

During Sunday Snow, DMV Parking Lot Closed; Beacon Farmer's Market Open - No Parking At DMV

During Sunday’s projected snowfall of over 2”, the Beacon Farmer’s Market will be open. This means that the DMV parking lot is closed to cars seeking to park there when the City of Beacon receives 2” or more of snow. City code demands that all cars be moved off the road when more than 2” of snow have fallen. Usually, the City of Beacon encourages people to park in one of the free municipal lots (see ALBB’s OG Parking Guide here).

The Beacon Farmer’s Market announced on their Instagram: “A quick parking reminder for neighbors and visitors: The DMV lot is not available for parking from 8am-3pm on Sundays. Thanks for helping us keep a great Market Day rolling. Please pass it on.”

Videos: Interviews Regarding The Emergency SNAP Money From The Beacon Farmer's Market and the City of Beacon

This article is a roundup of the video interviews we did with the Farmer’s Market and the City of Beacon. During that time, things were moving so fast, ALBB’s content only made it to Instagram. Below, please find those write-ups and accompanying videos.

How The Beacon Farmer’s Market Converts SNAP Money into Farmer’s Market Money Currency

Today we look at the SNAP program at the Beacon Farmer’s Market which is run by Common Ground Farm. Taking us through the process of converting SNAP (aka Food Stamp) dollars is Amy Bandolik, the Market Manager for the Beacon Farmer’s Market. Not only can SNAP dollars be spent here, but they are doubled with assistance from:

➕ The New York State Fresh Connect $2 card program that helps give people access to farm fresh produce and farmers receiving revenue from SNAP.

➕ Greens4Greens $5 cards program from funds raised from their Soup4Greens annual fundraiser, and right now during this federal government shutdown. Donations are being accepted right now for SNAP recipients - and anyone in need - at the Managers Tent in the market or online.

Amy walks us through what happens when the SNAP card is run for $10, and how it multiplies the money exchange The SNAP card gets filled up, so with it not getting filled up, the market continues to make it work by honoring those with cards - and those in need who might not have cards or never applied - with the base amount and these additional dollars.

Thank you for your support. The market is busy today and people are donating. Come in for assistance if you need it. Don’t be shy.

Thank you to all of ALBB’s sponsors and readers who donate to us to make our reporting possible. Producing independent media is our full time job 🥰

New York States Drops More Dollars For Anyone In Need - Available At The Beacon Farmer’s Market

📣 BREAKING NEWS: New York State has sent additional $2 Fresh Direct Coupons to those in need. Not just SNAP recipients, but those in need. Amy, the Market Manager for Beacon Farmer’s Market received these additional $2 Fresh Direct coupons 💸 to her mailbox yesterday.

Here’s How It Works:

If you are in need for your food situation, you can come to the Manager’s Table each week from November to December 2025 to pick up:

• $20 in Fresh Connect coupons. This can buy you meat, produce, other qualifying foods from the vendors at the Beacon Farmer’s Market.

- plus -

• $30 Greens4Greens from Beacon Farmers Market fundraiser. People have been donating, and this is what the money turns into. Emergency food money for those in need. You can even buy coffee beans and pastries with these at the market.

Both available each week November-December 2025. No verification required. There is an income qualifying table, but New York State has granted that if you state you are in need, you will be provided for.

How the City of Beacon Distributed Their $50,000 of Emergency SNAP Grocery GIft Cards

Here on this very windy Sunday at the Beacon Farmers Market with Heidi Harrison of Beacon Parks and Recreation Department, handing out their Emergency SNAP Grocery Card Distribution initiative to SNAP Receipts who are Beacon residents. The City’s offering to SNAP recipients living in Beacon is $50 for the Farmers Market or $60 Grocery Gift Card for Key Food Beacon. Bring Photo ID, piece of mail as proof of residency, and SNAP Card to pick up.

This is a one-time emergency distribution so far. One per name on the SNAP list for Beacon residents. Find Heidi next to the Beacon Farmer’s Market Managers Tent to pick up your Gift Card if you haven’t yet. One per household right now.

Here today for added convenience, but only today. Coupons or Cards are available for pickup during the weekdays at the Beacon Parks and Recreation Office at 23 West Center Street.

SNAP Recipients: Go pick up! They have your name already, so you’re all set. There are 80 people who still need to pick up their card. No re-application necessary.

Turkey On Every Table 2025 - Interview With Group Leaders For This Collaborative Distribution

The Thanksgiving Meal bag that went with the turkey for “Turkey on Every Table.”
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

This year's request for turkey meals for the annual Turkey on Every Table initiative grew by 330%, said Reuben Simmons to A Little Beacon Blog. "Last year, we had 90 signups. This year, we had 395 signups." There were four distribution points and organizations involved in the city-wide effort, including I Am Beacon, Fareground, Key Food, Salem Tabernacle and Knights of Columbus #446. This year, LaStar Gorton, incoming Councilmember for Ward 1, also participated in the distribution.

Kenya Gadsden holding a donated turkey before she services people in the line to receive the meals. Kenya wore her I Am Beacon sweatshirt this day, but wears several other sweatshirts:
- member of the Beacon Board of Education
- Councilwoman for Fishkill Town Board
- jointly oversees the Open Arms Christian Ministries International Food Pantry with distribution point here at Beacon Parks and Recreation Building
- supports the “Class in a Bag” Initiative, which supplies backpacks filled with school supplies for children in the Beacon City School District
- Ran for Dutchess County Clerk
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, registered people lined up to receive one turkey and a bag of food to prepare at home from one of the four distribution locations: Fareground at 37 Lamplight (the old Mary Kelly's building that is now the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church), the Beacon Parks and Recreation Building at 23 West Center Street, Salem Tabernacle at 7 Delavan Ave., and St. Andrew & St. Luke Episcopal Church at 15 South Avenue.

Meals included a 14lb turkey, the infamous Kings Hawaiian dinner rolls, Stove Top stuffing, Key Food brand Urban Meadows apple pie, Kraft Mac and Cheese, Urban Meadows’s jelly, a bag of fresh apples, a bag of rice, and Green Giant mixed greens.

Families were in line to receive, some who walked there with metal push carts and strollers, and some who drove.

Knights of Columbus #446 members gathered around Junior Dabashi’s (Key Food) truck for another loading in of Thanksgiving Meals at 23 West Center Street, the Beacon Parks and Recreation Building.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

The total number of meals distributed from each location was 123 at Fareground, 127 Beacon Parks and Recreation, 61 at Salem Tabernacle, and at least 10 distributed directly by I Am Beacon to those who could not make the line. Reuben of I Am Beacon and Junior Dabashi of Key Food, with the assistance of Salem Tabernacle’s van of helpers which includes Ian, Frank and Pastor Bill, collect and distribute the food to each location, with the assistance of the Knights of Columbus offloading the food from the trucks.

ALBB visited the West Center Street location to talk to the group leaders to learn the origins of Turkey on Every Table - to get more from the story and see behind the flyer that asks for food donations each year.

How long has the program been going on?

Before this interview, the group leaders conferred among themselves to track back the origins, as this initiative is a collaborative effort with the groups.

This interview is with: Reuben Simmons of I Am Beacon; Ian Zrodlowski of Salam Tabernacle Church; Junior Dabashi of Key Food; and Bernard Gadson, married to Kenya Gadsden who was leading the distribution with families to get the turkey meals. A member of Knights of Columbus served as cameraman for this video.

LaStar Gorton, incoming City Councilmember for Ward 1 in Beacon, assisting in distributing the Thanksgiving Turkeys.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Reuben Simmons greeting a Knights of Columbus #446 member before Distrobution begins.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

I Am Beacon started Turkey on Every Table in 2014 and continued it for 4 years. Reuben, a co-founder of I Am Beacon told ALBB: "We got away from it [Turkey on Every Table] in 2018/19 as we saw there were multiple organizations doing distributions. The impact we felt was already being met. As an organization, I Am Beacon stepped back from it...And then COVID hit, and there was more time for people to regroup. One of I Am Beacon's missions is to do things in a collaborative effort."

Ian Zrodlowski of Salam Tabernacle Church carrying bags of food from their van.
PHoto Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Reuben went onto let the other explain. Ian told of how Salem Tabernacle Church has been in Beacon since the 1950s. "Every Thanksgiving, the women of the church would get together and put baskets together for people in need. Usually by word of mouth." He said that a dozen families would usually be reached. "It was not a formal thing, just something that we've always been doing."

More Salam Tabernacle Church members carrying Community-donated food from their van.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Reuben explained that Junior Dabashi was a key part of why the initiative started back up again. Junior had met with Salem Tabernacle, Reuben said, and who learned that Salem Tabernacle wanted to get more involved with the Beacon community. Junior asked Reuben to bring back the Turkey on Every Table program. "The only way I said I'd do it is if it was on a collaborative effort." They met with Salem Tabernacle, as well as Kenya and Bernard Gadsden with Open Arms Ministry, who run the weekly food pantry out of the Beacon Parks and Recreation building every Saturday.

In 2021, the Turkey on Every Table program revived, and has been happening ever since.

Fried Turkeys and Home-Bound Senior Citizens

During the distribution, ALBB heard Bernard talking about his schedule this week for frying turkeys. We asked him to tell us more about the process, and who he was cooking for. Bernard is passionate about caring for the seniors to provide for them an experience that can easily pass them over.

Bernard works at a Senior Apartment Complex. "A lot of seniors don't get a chance to go out. So they stay home and probably make a cornish hen. On Thanksgiving. I just felt that's ludicrous," Bernard told ALBB. "So I said, I want to bring my equipment. I want to fry turkeys for them." His boss gave him the green light to fry the turkeys, and he's been doing it for the last 5 years. "I did 3 turkeys yesterday. One for my grandson's school in Poughkeepsie, and 2 for my job. There was nothing left. They love it every year. And I look forward to it." This year, he's doing two more turkeys on Tuesday for another senior apartment complex in Newburgh.

Bernard then describes how he likes to fry the turkey. He prefers a turkey that is 15lb or under. "Forty-five minutes to an hour, and they are done," Bernard stated.

Kids Coat Distribution From Knights Of Columbus

Coats for kids came through the Knights of Columbus, who have been doing the coat distribution for 40 years in Beacon from their building before they sold it, member Kevin Allison told ALBB. One year, a group from Peekskill was doing a toy drive distribution where Sue Serino arrived to help. "One of Sue’s office people was at the door. One kid came through the door with no coat. I said 'where is your coat?' He said he didn't have one. I made sure he had a brand new coat.”

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Knights of Columbus, Trinity Council #446 logo on sweater swag
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Knights of Columbus member Kevin Allison
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Knights of Columbus Logo on Jacket
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

In Response To SNAP Cut, Carter's To Give Away 20 Free Thanksgiving Meals - Details, Menu & Signup With ALBB

Chef Jon Lombardi, owner and creator of Carter’s Restaurant at 424 Main Street, is one of the longest running financial supporters of A Little Beacon Blog. Jon and Katie go back, way back to when he was managing the original Vault, and she had her office and community space in the Telephone Building in 2017.

Together, they cooked up ideas on how to give people great experiences with great food. They’ve been through a lot together through those years. They have parted ways; they have come back together; they have endured the current crazy political climate.

To preserve his sanity, Jon makes one thing clear: “No politics.” This is their understanding. But. He enjoys having his headline news at ALBB delivered to him in person or over the phone from Katie (as many advertisers do…check-ins down Main Street is common for Katie to do any day of the week).

One rainy Thursday morning before Halloween, while Katie was jogging outside and Jon was shopping for food to cook that day at his restaurant, he asked: “I don’t think I remember things being so political. Why are people so political these days?”

Katie answered: “I think it’s because things keep impacting people’s every day lives. Parts of how they live their lives are being taken away or threatened, and because of that, they have to speak out. Like, my friend is going to lose SNAP, and that upsets me. So I am going to speak out.”

Not everyone is familiar with the SNAP acronym. “SNAP?” Jon asked. “What’s that?”

“Food Stamps,” Katie answered. “They are turning off in November because of the government shutdown.”

“Sh*t,” Jon said.

“Yeah,” Katie said. “I qualified for them over the summer, and I experienced the feeling of going through the cashier line, and having to decide what to buy because not everything is eligible on that SNAP money card. Mayor Lee of the City of Beacon just announced they are going to issue grocery gift cards to SNAP recipients, and the Beacon Farmer’s Market always accepts SNAP dollars and doubles them, and they are figuring out what to do when the money doesn’t drop down into the card.”

Jon took a moment. “Well they are going to need Thanksgiving dinner.”

Katie responded, “Yes they are.”

Jon’s wheels started turning. His mind is very creative, especially when it comes to feeding people. Food is Jon’s love language. Finally, he started speaking again. “Tell them we are going to donate 20 turkeys. Is that enough? I’m at the store now. Let me price it out. They will be frozen, is that OK?”

Stopping in her tracks, Katie said: “Yeah!”

“Ok, Jon said. I’m getting prices. I’ll call you back.”

Jon did call back, and we started developing the plan of how to take signups. Then Katie said: “Jon - what if, maybe, what if maybe the people could also have some famous Carter’s mashed potatoes to warm up in the oven with the turkey. Just so that they can have some starch.”

Jon thought a minute, and then said: “Nah…because then I’d have to throw in apple pie.”

The menu developed from there. Jon’s catering brain fully engaged, and he thought out the entire menu that those in need can sign up for an pick up to cook at home.

Carter’s Restaurant will provide 20 meals to SNAP recipients or those in need. People can sign up for this meal using the form below. It is preferred if you have a SNAP card, but if you don’t, and you are in the middle of hard times, please reach out. Pickup will be the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at Carter’s at 424 Main Street.

Carter’s Thanksgiving Meal For Those In Need:

• Turkey (thawed - you cook in your oven)

• Carter’s Homemade Mashed Potatoes (made fresh, ready for you to warm in your oven)

• Apple Pie (frozen, you warm it up in your oven)

• Mixed Vegetables (canned veggies - you season as you like)

• Cranberry (a can of that sweet cranberry mold)

• 8 Dinner Rolls (hopefully you have leftovers for sandwiches!)

How To Sign Up

To sign up, please fill out your information below. We are prioritizing SNAP recipients, but if you are in need, please sign up. At this time, the distribution amount is 20 households. As Carter’s customers and ALBB’s readers are from all over the Hudson Valley, this is open to the region. Thank you.

Please email Katie of ALBB with questions: katie@alittlebeaconblog.com

SignUps Closed

We are SO glad we reached so many of you. The Turkey Meal Signup is closed, and we are coordinating delivery and pickup. If you filled out the signup form and have not heard from us, please check your email everywhere.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone.

Food Stamp Crisis: City of Newburgh Approves $100,000 SNAP Dollars; Middletown Approves $10,000 SNAP Dollars

Food Stamps, otherwise known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) are scheduled to end on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, a presidential administration-made crisis due to the federal government shutdown resulting from the inability to agree on cuts to Medicaid and access to health care. The federal government has placed blame on a governmental party, where such politicizing is allegedly illegal according to the Hatch Act. Further psychologically harming individuals reliant on SNAP, the presidential administration has published baiting language on the SNAP application page that says: “the well has run dry.”

According to reporting from CBS, the SNAP program has $5.5 billion in a contingency fund, according to Bobby Kogan, Senior Director of Federal Budget Policy at the Center for American Progress, that the 47th presidential administration is refusing to release.

Local food justice organizations have been preparing for this moment, and local municipalities are stepping up. First to announce direct dollars going to SNAP recipients was Middletown, who has approved a reallocation of $10,000 federal funding already secured for other purposes to provide short-term emergency relief, Blaise Gomez reported. “Mayor Joseph DeStefano called it a necessary, transparent use of existing funds ‘to act quickly, responsibly, and compassionately,’ while the city pursues additional public and private support to expand the effort,” she reported. This will reach approximately 200 Middletown families, with details on distribution, eligibility and guidelines to be posted soon.

Next, the City of Newburgh authorized $100,000 from their already secured federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to people enrolled in SNAP, Blaise reported. In a proposal by Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos, Midhudson News reported, the City of Newburgh will give $150 grocery gift cards to approximately 700 households that are currently enrolled in SNAP. The newspaper reports that “priority will go to families and seniors at highest risk of food insecurity, with eligibility and distribution details to be released in the coming days.”

City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said of the root of the blockage of SNAP: “This shutdown is a direct result of full-grown adults in Washington, D.C. failing to fulfill the one job that they were sent to do, to serve the people. Every elected official is bound by duty to put the needs of the citizens first, and yet here we are facing the fallout of their incompetence and their willingness to stand idly by while countless family members suffer.”

For those not yet familiar with Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), that is money that can be used for income-level qualifying areas. In Beacon, for example, grant monies have gone to infrastructure upgrades like sidewalk replacements in neighborhoods that meet the income level requirements, like the multi-year sidewalk replacement along South Avenue at South Davies Terrace and Loopers Court.

“Newburgh officials say they are also exploring partnerships and donations to grow their program. Local businesses, community groups, and donors interested in contributing to Newburgh’s emergency fund can contact the City Manager’s Office at (845) 569-7301,” Midhudson News reports.

Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos called Washington’s actions “cruel and disgusting.” She cited that 19,000 households in Orange County are using SNAP food stamps currently. She said in the City and Town of Newburgh, 7,200 people rely on SNAP benefits.